How to have safe travels during Memorial Day weekend

With the unofficial kickoff to summer coming this weekend, people across the region are preparing to travel. Most people will drive, as AAA estimates that nearly 40 million people will travel at least 50 miles to their weekend destination. Chances are that freeways will be clogged with weekend vacation traffic on Friday and Monday.

If you are one of the early birds will take off on Thursday to avoid Friday’s traffic, congratulations to you. However, threats still abound throughout the weekend. Memorial Day weekend is largely the most dangerous holiday driving period; likely second to only New Year’s Eve. Besides distracted drivers and drowsy drivers, accidents are also attributable to drunk driving during this period.

Even with these hazards, there are things that drivers can do to stay safe. This post will highlight them.

Wear your seatbelt – Connecticut law requires all occupants in a car to wear their seatbelts. But so many people don’t do so, even when it comes to “short” grocery store trips. Nevertheless wearing a seatbelt increases your chances of surviving a serious accident.

Put down the cell phone – The directional apps offered these days make it tempting to use cell phones while driving. However, if you’re paying attention to the map, you’re not likely paying attention to the road.

Resist the urge to drive aggressively – Getting stuck in traffic may raise your ire, but this is the time to take it in stride. Tailgating and cutting people off lead to crashes and road rage.

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